Fire investigators have completed a scene examination of a house burnt to the ground in Middlemarch, but will not know the cause for "a few days''.
Specialist fire investigator Mike Harrison, of Dunedin, said he would work through the photographs and paperwork from today to try to establish exactly what caused Monday's blaze that left the five occupants devoid of most of their possessions.
Middlemarch Volunteer Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer Blair Dale said the community had provided clothing, housing and food to the victims - a nurse and her two sons, and the couple who owned the property.
"That's the great thing about wee towns,'' Mr Dale said.
"I think the family has been swamped with support, which is great.''
Mr Dale wanted to reiterate the importance of people checking fire alarms and extinguishers in their homes.
A Middlemarch cafe owner, who preferred not be named, said on Monday the community had rallied to help the occupants.
"Everyone's pulled together and we've made some food and stuff to send around to the family and the firefighters as well. Small towns help each other out,'' she said.
The fire engulfed the Mold St property about 8.30am on Monday.
Volunteer firefighters from Middlemarch and Outram fought the blaze.
No-one was at home at the time.
